Lateral support element, gas spring assembly and method

ABSTRACT

A lateral support element ( 304 ) include an element wall with a first surface facing away from an associated flexible wall ( 264 ) and a second surface facing toward the associated flexible wall. The lateral support element is disposed along the associated flexible wall such that an interface ( 334 ) is formed between an outer surface of the associated flexible wall and the second surface of the lateral support element. The interface is operative to generate a lateral spring-rate profile in an associated gas spring assembly that varies according to lateral displacement of the associated flexible wall and the lateral support element relative to one another. The interface can include a quantity of friction-reducing material and/or can be at least partially formed by a cross-sectional profile of the lateral support element that includes a convex profile segment. Gas spring assemblies and methods of assembly are also included.

This application is the National Stage of International Application No.PCT/US2013/050356, filed on Jul. 12, 2013, which claims the benefit ofpriority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/670,782 filedon Jul. 12, 2012 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/672,066filed on Jul. 16, 2012, the subject matter of which is herebyincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The subject matter of the present disclosure broadly relates to the artof spring devices and, more particularly, to interfaces between aflexible wall and a lateral support element of a gas spring assembly.Gas spring assemblies including such interfaces as well as suspensionsystems for vehicles that include one or more of such gas springassemblies and methods of assembly are also included.

The subject matter of the present disclosure is capable of broadapplication and use in connection with a variety of applications and/orenvironments. However, the subject matter finds particular applicationand use in conjunction with rail vehicles, and will be described hereinwith particular reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated thatthe subject matter of the present disclosure is amenable to use inconnection with other applications and environments.

A suspension system, such as may be used in connection with motorizedrail vehicles and/or rolling-stock rail vehicles, for example, caninclude one or more spring elements for accommodating forces and loadsassociated with the operation and use of the corresponding device (e.g.,a rail vehicle) to which the suspension system is operatively connected.In such applications, it is often considered desirable to utilize springelements that operate at a lower spring rate, as a reduced spring ratecan favorably influence certain performance characteristics, such asvehicle ride quality and comfort, for example. That is, it is wellunderstood in the art that the use of a spring element having a higherspring rate (i.e. a stiffer spring) will transmit a greater magnitude ofinputs (e.g., road inputs) to the sprung mass and that, in someapplications, this could undesirably affect the sprung mass, such as,for example, by resulting in a rougher, less-comfortable ride of avehicle. Whereas, the use of spring elements having lower spring rates(i.e., a softer or more-compliant spring) will transmit a lesser amountof the inputs to the sprung mass.

Generally, vehicle performance characteristics, such as ride quality andcomfort, are commonly identified as being related to factors, such asspring rate, that are acting in an approximately axial direction inrelation to the gas spring assemblies. It has been recognized, however,that relative movement in the lateral direction (i.e., a directiontransverse to the axes of the gas spring assemblies) can also influencevehicle performance characteristics, such as ride quality and comfort,for example. In some cases, such lateral movement can include movementof the opposing end members of a gas spring assembly relative to oneanother in a direction transverse (e.g., perpendicular) to the axis ofthe gas spring assembly that is formed between the opposing end members.

In some cases, known gas spring assemblies can include a flexible walland a lateral support element that engages the flexible wall toinfluence the lateral stiffness rate of the gas spring assemblies. Insome cases, known lateral support element designs result in a lowerlateral stiffness rate that can permit excessive lateral deflection ofthe end members relative to one another. While such performanceconditions may, in some cases, result in favorable ride quality andcomfort, performance characteristics such as vehicle handling andcontrol can be undesirably affected. In other cases, known lateralsupport element designs result in a higher lateral stiffness rate thatcan provide favorable vehicle handling and control. However, such highlateral stiffness rates can also generate undesired performancecharacteristics, such as lower ride quality and/or comfort.

Notwithstanding the widespread usage and overall success of the widevariety of gas spring assemblies including a lateral support elementthat are known in the art, it is believed that a need exists to meetthese competing goals while still retaining comparable or improved easeof manufacture, ease of assembly, ease of installation and/or reducedcost of manufacture.

BRIEF SUMMARY

One example of a lateral support element in accordance with the subjectmatter of the present disclosure that is dimensioned for use with anassociated flexible wall of an associated gas spring assembly caninclude an element wall with a first surface facing away from anassociated flexible wall and a second surface facing toward theassociated flexible wall. The lateral support element can be disposedalong the associated flexible wall such that an interface is formedbetween an outer surface of the associated flexible wall and the secondsurface of the lateral support element. The interface can be operativeto generate a lateral spring-rate profile in an associated gas springassembly that varies according to lateral displacement of the associatedflexible wall and the lateral support element relative to one another.The interface can include a quantity of friction-reducing materialoperatively disposed between the flexible wall and the lateral supportelement.

Another example of a lateral support element in accordance with thesubject matter of the present disclosure that is dimensioned for usewith an associated flexible wall of an associated gas spring assemblycan include an element wall with a first surface facing away from anassociated flexible wall and a second surface facing toward theassociated flexible wall. The lateral support element can be disposedalong the associated flexible wall such that an interface is formedbetween an outer surface of the associated flexible wall and the secondsurface of the lateral support element. The interface can be operativeto generate a lateral spring-rate profile in an associated gas springassembly that varies according to lateral displacement of the associatedflexible wall and the lateral support element relative to one another.The interface can be at least partially formed by a cross-sectionalprofile of the lateral support element that includes a convex profilesegment.

One example of a gas spring assembly in accordance with the subjectmatter of the present disclosure can include a flexible wall having alongitudinal axis and extending peripherally about the longitudinal axisbetween a first end and a second end spaced longitudinally from thefirst end. The flexible wall can include an inner surface and an outersurface with the inner surface at least partially defining a springchamber. A lateral support element can include an element wall with afirst surface facing away from the flexible wall and a second surfacefacing toward the flexible wall. The lateral support element can bedisposed along the first end of the flexible wall such that an interfaceis formed between the outer surface of the flexible wall and the secondsurface of the lateral support element. The interface can be operativeto generate a lateral spring-rate profile that varies according tolateral displacement of the flexible wall and the lateral supportelement relative to one another. The gas spring assembly can bedisplaced from a neutral position to a laterally-offset position withthe lateral spring-rate decreasing over at least a portion of thedisplacement from the neutral position to the laterally-offset position.In some cases, the gas spring assembly can include a quantity offriction-reducing material operatively disposed along the interfacebetween the flexible wall and the lateral support element. Additionally,or in the alternative, the lateral support element of the gas springassembly can, in some cases, have a cross-sectional profile thatincludes a convex profile segment.

One example of a method of assembling a gas spring assembly inaccordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure can includeproviding a flexible wall having a longitudinal axis and extendingperipherally about the longitudinal axis between first and second endsto at least partially form a spring chamber. The method can also includeproviding a lateral support element and positioning the lateral supportelement on, along or otherwise adjacent the flexible wall. The methodcan further include forming an interface between the flexible wall andthe lateral support element. The method can also include providing afirst end member and securing a first end of the flexible wall on oralong the first end member. The method can also include providing asecond end member and securing the second end member on or along an endof the flexible wall to at least partially form a spring chamber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of one example of a rail vehicleincluding a suspension system in accordance with the subject matter ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of one example of a pneumatic gassystem operatively associated with the suspension system in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view, in partial cross-section, of one example of a gasspring assembly including one example of an interface between a flexiblewall and a lateral support element in accordance with the subject matterof the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates the gas spring assembly in FIG. 3 in a laterallydisplaced condition.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the portion of the gas spring assembly,lateral support element and interface in FIGS. 3 and 4 that isidentified as Detail 5 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the portion of the gas spring assembly inFIGS. 3 and 4 that is identified as Detail 5 in FIG. 3 illustratinganother example of an interface between a flexible wall and lateralsupport element in accordance with the subject matter of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 7 is a side view, in partial cross-section, of still anotherexample of a gas spring assembly including an example of an interfacebetween a flexible wall and lateral support element in accordance withthe subject matter of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates the gas spring assembly in FIG. 7 in a laterallydisplaced condition.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the portion of the gas spring assembly,lateral support element and interface in FIGS. 7 and 8 that isidentified as Detail 9 in FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a graphical representation of a lateral force versus lateraldisplacement curve associated with the use of an interface and lateralsupport element in accordance with the subject matter of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 11 is a graphical representation of one example of a method ofmanufacturing a gas spring assembly in accordance with the subjectmatter of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to the drawings, it is to be understood that the showingsare for purposes of illustrating examples of the subject matter of thepresent disclosure and are not intended to be limiting. Additionally, itwill be appreciated that the drawings are not to scale and that portionsof certain features and/or elements may be exaggerated for purposes ofclarity and/or ease of understanding.

FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a vehicle including a suspensionsystem in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure,such as a vehicle 100 that is adapted for movement or otherwisedisplaceable along a track TRK that is at least partially formed byrails RLS of an indefinite length. It will be appreciated that thesubject matter of the present disclosure is broadly applicable for usein a wide variety of applications, and that rail vehicle 100 merelyrepresents one example of a suitable application. Rail vehicle 100 isshown being representative of rolling stock (e.g., a railcar) ratherthan an engine or traction-drive vehicle. However, this representativeuse is merely exemplary and not intended to be limiting.

Rail vehicle 100 includes a vehicle body 102 supported on one or moreframe and wheel assemblies 104, two of which are shown in FIG. 1. Insome cases, frame and wheel assemblies 104 may be referred to in the artas “trucks,” “rail bogies” or simply “bogies,” and such terms may beused herein in an interchangeable manner. Bogies 104 are shown as beingdisposed toward opposing ends 106 and 108 of rail vehicle 100.

Bogies 104 are shown in FIG. 1 as including a frame 110 as well as oneor more wheel sets 112 that are typically formed by an axle 114 and apair of spaced-apart wheels 116. Normally, bogies 104 include at leasttwo wheel sets, such as is shown in FIG. 1, for example, that areoperatively connected to the frame in manner suitable to permit thewheels to roll along rails RLS of track TRK. In many cases, a primarysuspension arrangement (not shown) is operatively connected between thewheels sets and the frame to permit relative movement therebetween.Bogies 104 are also shown as including a secondary suspension system 118that includes at least one gas spring assembly. In the exemplaryarrangement shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, bogies 104 include two gas springassemblies 120 that are operatively connected between frame 110 andvehicle body 102 to permit relative movement therebetween.

Rail vehicles, such as rail vehicle 100, for example, typically includea braking system with one or more brakes operatively associated witheach wheel set. In the exemplary arrangement in FIG. 1, two brakes 122are shown as being operatively associated with each of wheel sets 112with one brake disposed adjacent each of wheels 116. It will beappreciated, however, that other arrangements could alternately be used.

Additionally, rail vehicles, such as rail vehicle 100, for example,typically include at least one pneumatic system that is operativelyassociated therewith. In many cases, components of the one or morepneumatic systems can be distributed along the length of a train that isformed from a plurality of rail vehicles, such as one or moretraction-drive engines and one or more rolling stock vehicles, forexample. In such cases, each individual rail vehicle will include one ormore portions of the pneumatic system. Usually, these one or moreportions are serially connected together to form an overall pneumaticsystem of a train.

Typical pneumatic systems include two or more separately controllableportions, such as a pneumatic braking system that is operativelyassociated with the vehicle brakes (e.g., brakes 122) and a pneumaticsupply system that is operatively associated with the otherpneumatically-actuated devices of the rail vehicle, such as thesecondary suspension system, for example. As such, rail vehiclestypically include a dedicated conduit for each of these two systems.Such conduits normally extend lengthwise along the vehicle body and areoften individually referred to as a brake pipe and a supply pipe.

FIG. 2 illustrates one example of a pneumatic system 124 that isoperatively associated with rail vehicle 100 and includes a brakingsystem (not numbered) with a brake pipe 126 in fluid communication withat least brakes 122 (FIG. 1) and a pneumatic supply system (notnumbered) with a supply pipe 128 in fluid communication with at leastgas spring assemblies 120 of secondary suspension system 118. It will berecognized and appreciated that pneumatic system 124 will include a widevariety of other components and devices. For example, the braking systemcan include one or more isolation valves 130 that can be fluidicallyconnected along brake pipe 126. As other examples, the pneumatic supplysystem can include one or more isolation valves 132, one or more filters134 and/or one or more non-return valves 136 (which may be alternatelyreferred to as one-way or check valves). The pneumatic supply system canalso include one or more reservoirs or other pressurized gas storagedevices. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 2, for example, the pneumaticsupply system includes a reservoir 138 that is operative to store aquantity of pressurized gas for use in supplying gas spring assemblies120 of the secondary suspension system, and a reservoir 140 that isoperative to store a quantity of pressurized gas for use as theauxiliary reservoir of the braking system.

Generally, certain components of the braking system, such as brakes 122,for example, as well as certain components of the pneumatic supplysystem are supported on or otherwise operatively associated with one ofbogies 104 of rail vehicle 100. For example, supply lines 142 canfluidically interconnect bogies 104 with the pneumatic supply system.Supply lines 142 are shown as being fluidically connected with one ormore leveling valves 144 that are operatively connected with gas springassemblies 120, such as by way of gas lines 146, and are selectivelyoperable to transfer pressurized gas into and out of the gas springassemblies. In some cases, a pressurized gas storage device or reservoir148 can, optionally, be fluidically connected along gas line 146 betweenleveling valve 144 and gas spring assembly 120. Additionally, across-flow line 150 can, optionally, be connected in fluid communicationbetween two or more of gas lines 146. In some cases, a control valve152, such as a duplex check valve, for example, can be fluidicallyconnected along cross-flow line 150, such as is shown in FIG. 2, forexample.

One example of a gas spring assembly in accordance with the subjectmatter of the present disclosure, such as may be suitable for use as oneor more of gas spring assemblies 120 in FIGS. 1 and 2, for example, isshown as gas spring assembly 200 in FIGS. 3-5. The gas spring assemblyhas a longitudinal axis AX and includes an end member 202, an end member204 spaced longitudinally from end member 202 and a flexible springmember or sleeve 206 that extends peripherally about the longitudinalaxis and is secured between the end members to at least partially definea spring chamber 208.

Gas spring assembly 200 can be disposed between associated sprung andunsprung masses of an associated vehicle in any suitable manner. Forexample, one end member can be operatively connected to an associatedsprung mass with the other end member disposed toward and operativelyconnected to the associated unsprung mass. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, for example, end member 202 is secured on or along astructural component SC1, such as an associated vehicle body 102 in FIG.1, for example, and can be secured thereon in any suitable manner. Asanother example, end member 204 is secured on or along a structuralcomponent SC2, such as an associated rail bogie 104 in FIG. 1, forexample, and can be secured thereon in any suitable manner.

In the exemplary arrangement in FIGS. 3 and 4, end member 202 is shownas taking the form of a top plate having a plate wall 210 that hasopposing surfaces 212 and 214 such that a plate height (not identified)is at least partially defined therebetween. Plate wall 210 is shown asbeing generally planar and extending outwardly to an outer periphery216. In some cases, plate wall 210 can have a generally circular shapesuch that an outer peripheral surface 218 extending in a heightwisedirection can have a generally cylindrical shape. A passage surface 220at least partially defines a gas transfer passage 222 extending throughthe end member such that pressurized gas can be transferred into and outof spring chamber 208, such as by way of pneumatic system 124 (FIG. 2)for example. In some cases, the end member can include a projection orboss 224 that extends from along plate wall 210 in a longitudinaldirection. In the exemplary arrangement shown in FIGS. 3 and 4,projection 224 extends axially outwardly away from spring chamber 208.

As mentioned above, one or more securement devices (not shown) can beused to secure or otherwise interconnect the end members of the gasspring assembly with corresponding structural components. In some cases,projection 224 can include an outer surface 226 that is dimensioned forreceipt within a passage or mounting hole MHL that extends throughstructural component SC1. Additionally, one or more sealing elements 228can, optionally, be included that are disposed between or otherwise atleast partially form a substantially fluid-tight connection between theend member and the structural component, such as between projection 224and mounting hole MHL, for example. In some cases, structural componentSC1 can, optionally, at least partially define an external reservoirsuitable for storing a quantity of pressurized gas.

End member 204 is shown as taking the form of an assembly that includesa support base or pedestal 230 and a base plate 232 that is secured onor along the pedestal in a suitable manner, such as by way of aflowed-material joint 234, for example. Pedestal 230 extends axiallybetween opposing ends 236 and 238, and includes an outer surface 240that extends peripherally about axis AX and an end surface 242 that isdisposed along end 238 and is dimensioned or otherwise configured foroperative engagement with an associated structural component, such asstructural component SC2, for example. It will be appreciated that endmember 204 can be secured on or along the associated structuralcomponent in any suitable manner. As one example, pedestal 230 caninclude a plurality of securement features 244, such as threadedpassages that extend inwardly into the pedestal from along end surface242, for example. In some cases, a corresponding number of one or moreholes or passages HLS can extend through structural component SC2 thatare dimensioned for receipt of a securement device 246, such as athreaded fastener, for example. It will be appreciated, however, thatother configurations and/or arrangements could alternately be used.

Base plate 232 can have a plate wall (not numbered) that has opposingsurfaces 248 and 250 such that a plate height (not identified) is atleast partially defined therebetween. Base plate 232 is shown as beinggenerally planar and extending outwardly to an outer periphery 252. Insome cases, base plate 232 can have a generally circular shape such thatan outer peripheral surface 254 extending in a heightwise direction canhave a generally cylindrical shape. Additionally, in some cases, baseplate 232 can, optionally, include an endless annular recess or groove256 that extends axially inwardly into the base plate from along surface248 thereof. It will be appreciated that such a groove, if provided, canbe of any suitable size, shape, configuration and/or arrangement. Forexample, groove 256 is shown as being at least partially defined by abottom surface 258, an inner side surface 260 and an outer side surface262. In a preferred arrangement, groove 256 can be dimensioned to atleast partially receive a portion of flexible spring member 206 and oneor more retaining elements, such as may be used to secure the flexiblespring member on or along the base plate, for example.

Flexible spring member 206 can be of any suitable size, shape,construction and/or configuration. As one example, flexible springmember 206 can include a flexible wall 264 that is at least partiallyformed from one or more layers or plies (not identified) of elastomericmaterial (e.g., natural rubber, synthetic rubber and/or thermoplasticelastomer) and can optionally include one or more plies or layers offilament reinforcing material (not shown). Flexible wall 264 is shownextending in a longitudinal direction between opposing ends 266 and 268.In some cases, flexible wall 264 can, optionally, include a mountingbead dispose along either one or both of ends 266 and 268. In thearrangement shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, mounting beads 270 and 272 are shownas being respectively disposed along ends 266 and 268. In some cases,the mounting beads can, optionally, include a reinforcing element, suchas an endless, annular bead core 274, for example.

It will be appreciated, that the ends of flexible spring member 206 canbe secured on, along or otherwise interconnected between end members 202and 204 in any suitable manner. As one example, gas spring assembly 200can include one or more bead retaining elements that engage at least aportion of the flexible spring member and maintain the flexible springmember in substantially fluid-tight engagement with the correspondingend member (e.g., end member 204). In the arrangement shown in FIGS. 3and 4, end 268 of flexible wall 264 is disposed in abutting engagementwith bottom surface 258 of groove 256 in base plate 232. A beadretaining element 276, such as in the form of an endless, annular ring,for example, captures at least a portion of mounting bead 272 and isshown as being secured on or along base plate 232 by way of a pluralityof securement devices 278, such as, for example, threaded fastener (notnumbered) and threaded nut (not numbered) combinations that extendthrough at least approximately aligned holes or slots (not numbered) inthe base plate and in the bead retaining element.

Typically, at least a portion of flexible spring member 206 will extendradially outward beyond outer periphery 252 of base plate 232. In somecases, end member 204 can include an outer support wall 280 (FIG. 4)that can, optionally, extend peripherally around or otherwise along baseplate 232, such as from along the plate wall of the base plate and in adirection toward end 240 of pedestal 230. In such cases, flexible springmember 206 can extend along an outer surface 282 (FIG. 4) of outersupport wall 280 such that a rolling lobe 284 is formed along theflexible spring member. Outer surface 282 is shown in FIG. 4 as having agenerally cylindrical shape, and rolling lobe 284 can be displaceablealong the outer surface as the gas spring assembly is axially displacedbetween extended and compressed conditions, such as may occur duringdynamic use in operation. It will be appreciated that other shapesand/or configurations of outer support wall 280 and/or outer surface 282can alternately be used, such as may be useful to provide desiredperformance characteristics, for example.

As is well known in the art, it is generally desirable to avoid or atleast minimize contact between end members of a gas spring assembly,such as may occur due to variations in load conditions and/or upondeflation of the gas spring assembly, for example. As such, gas springassembly 200 is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 as including a jounce bumper 286(FIG. 4) that is disposed within spring chamber 208 and supported on endmember 204. As identified in FIG. 4, jounce bumper 286 is shown asincluding a mounting plate 288 that is disposed in abutting engagementwith end member 204, a bumper body 290 supported on the mounting plate,and a wear plate 292 that is supported on at least partially embeddedwithin bumper body 290.

It will be appreciated that jounce bumper 286 can be secured on or alongan end member in any suitable manner. As identified in FIG. 4, forexample, base plate 232 of end member 204 is shown as including one ormore securement features 294, such as may take the form of a pluralityof threaded holes, for example. In such case, a corresponding number ofone or more securement devices 296, such as one or more threadedfasteners, for example, can extend through one of a corresponding numberof holes, openings or other features of the jounce bumper or a componentthereof (e.g., mounting plate 288) to secure the jounce bumper on oralong the end member.

Gas spring assembly 200 can also, optionally, include a complimentarycomponent that may be dimensioned to or otherwise suitable forabuttingly engaging the jounce bumper or a component thereof (e.g., wearplate 292). In the arrangement shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, gas springassembly 200 includes a bearing plate 298 that is disposed in abuttingengagement along surface 214 of plate wall 210 and is secured on oralong end member 202. It will be appreciated that the bearing plate canbe attached to the end member in any suitable manner. For example, platewall 210 of end member 202 can include one or more securement features300, such as threaded holes, for example, that as may be suitable forreceiving a complimentary securement device 302, such as a threadedfastener, for example, to secure the bearing plate on or along the endmember.

As discussed above, it will be appreciated, that the ends of flexiblespring member 206 can be secured on, along or otherwise interconnectedbetween end members 202 and 204 in any suitable manner. As mentionedabove, for example, gas spring assembly 200 can include one or more beadretaining elements that engage at least a portion of the flexible springmember and maintain the flexible spring member in substantiallyfluid-tight engagement with the corresponding end member (e.g., endmember 202). In some cases, a bead retaining element, such as beadretaining element 276, for example, could be used. Alternately, one ormore bead retaining features can be formed on or along another componentof the gas spring assembly. For example, in the arrangement shown inFIGS. 3-5, gas spring assembly 200 includes a lateral support element304 in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure thatis configured to engage a portion of flexible spring member 206 duringlateral movement of end member 202 relative to end member 204.Additionally, lateral support element 304 can, optionally, be adapted orotherwise configured to secured or otherwise support an end of aflexible wall, such as end 266, for example, on or along an end member,such as end member 202, for example.

As identified in FIG. 5, lateral support element 304 includes an elementwall 306 in the form of an endless, annular ring that extends radiallybetween an inward or mounting portion 308 and an outward or supportportion 310. As illustrated in the cross-sectional profile shown in FIG.5, element wall 306 includes a bead-retaining wall portion 312 thatextends in a radially-inward direction from along mounting portion 308.In some cases, bead-retaining wall portion 312 can have a somewhathook-shaped cross-sectional profile and can, in some cases, form aninnermost radial extent of the lateral support element. In a preferredarrangement, bead-retaining wall portion 312 can retain end 266 offlexible wall 264 in abutting engagement with surface 214 of plate wall210.

Additionally, it will be appreciated that lateral support element 304can be secured on or along end member 202 in any suitable manner. As oneexample, lateral support element 304 can include a plurality of holes oropenings 314 extending therethrough that are disposed in spaced relationto one another about element wall 306, such as in peripherally-spacedrelation to one another along mounting portion 308 thereof, for example.In such case, plate wall 210 of end member 202 can include acorresponding plurality of holes or openings HLS (FIG. 4) that, togetherwith holes 314, are dimensioned to receive one of a plurality ofsecurement devices 316, such as threaded fastener and threaded nutassemblies, for example. In this manner, lateral support element 304 canbe secured on end member 202, and flexible spring member 206 can beoperatively secured to the end member such that a substantiallyfluid-tight seal can be formed therebetween.

With further reference to FIG. 5, element wall 306 of lateral supportelement 304 is shown as including a mounting surface 318 that isdimensioned or otherwise configured to abuttingly engage an associatedcomponent or structural feature, such as plate wall 210 of end member202, for example. Element wall 306 also includes an outer surface 320along support portion 310 that can have any suitable shape and/orconfiguration, such as a frustoconical shape, for example. Element wall306 can include an outer peripheral wall portion 322 that, in somecases, can at least partially define an outermost peripheral extent oflateral support element 304. The element wall (e.g., element wall 306)of a lateral support element, such as lateral support element 304, forexample, can further include a support surface having a cross-sectionalprofile suitable for operatively engaging and at least partiallysupporting, either directly or indirectly, the flexible wall of the gasspring assembly during lateral (i.e., transverse) movement of the endmembers relative to one another.

As identified in FIG. 5, element wall 306 of lateral support element 304includes a support surface 324 that is shown as facing in a directiongenerally opposite mounting surface 318 and/or outer surface 320. In apreferred arrangement, element wall 306 is positioned such that at leasta portion of support surface 324 can abuttingly engage a portion offlexible spring member 206 during lateral (i.e., transverse) movement ofend member 202 relative to end member 204. It will be appreciated thatlateral support elements having support surfaces with cross-sectionalprofiles of a variety of shapes, sizes and configurations have beendeveloped and are commonly used, such as may be suitable forcontributing to certain lateral performance characteristics of a gasspring assembly, for example. As such, it will be appreciated that asupport surface having a cross-sectional profile of any suitable size,shape and/or configuration could be used.

In the arrangement shown in FIGS. 3-5, support surface 324 is shown asincluding a surface profile portion 326 that extends transverse to axisAX and in approximate alignment with mounting surface such that anannularly-extending, approximately planar area is formed along aradially-inward portion of support surface 324. Support surface 324 isalso shown as including a surface profile portion 328 that extendsradially outward from along surface profile portion 326 at an angle (notnumbered) relative to surface profile portion 326 such that afrustoconically-shaped area is formed along a radially-outward portionof the support surface. In some cases, the approximately planar, annulararea that is at least partially defined by surface profile portion 326can correspond to a relatively constant lateral stiffness of the gasspring assembly, such as may occur during relative lateral deflection ofthe end members in which at least a portion of flexible spring member206 contacts or otherwise abuttingly engages a portion of theapproximately planar area. And, in some cases, a forward or positivetaper area can be at least partially defined by surface profile portion328 and can, in some cases, provide for increased lateral stiffness ofthe gas spring assembly, such as may occur during lateral deflection ofthe end members relative to one another under which at least a portionof flexible spring member 206 contacts or otherwise abuttingly engages aportion of the forward or positive taper area.

It will be appreciated that end members 202 and 204 are shown in FIG. 3in an approximately coaxial or aligned condition, and are shown in FIG.4 as being moved in a lateral direction into an offset orlaterally-shifted condition, such as is represented in FIG. 4 byreference arrows MVT. Flexible spring member 206 is shown as having aninside surface 330 that at least partially defines spring chamber 208and an outside surface 332. It will be appreciated that under typicalconditions of use, at least a portion of outside surface 332 of flexiblespring member 206 may be disposed on or along at least a portion ofsupport surface 324 of lateral support element 304. For example, underconditions in which end members 202 and 204 are disposed toward acentered, coaxial or otherwise at least approximately aligned condition,such as is shown in FIG. 3, for example, an approximately uniformannular area of support surface 324 can abuttingly engage acorresponding area of outside surface 332 of flexible spring member 206.Such an approximately uniform annular area is shown in FIG. 3 in theform of approximately equal cross-sectional areas of contact CT1 ondiametrically opposing sides of the support surface.

As end members 202 and 204 are laterally displaced relative to oneanother toward an offset or laterally-shifted condition, flexible springmember 206 will separate from support surface 324 along or otherwisearound a first circumferential portion of lateral support element 304,such as is shown and represented in FIG. 4 by cross-sectional area ofcontact CT2. Additionally, as end members 202 and 204 are laterallydisplaced relative to one another toward an offset or laterally-shiftedcondition, flexible spring member 206 will come into increased contactwith support surface 324 along or otherwise around a second, differentcircumferential portion of lateral support wall 304, such as is shownand identified in FIG. 4 by cross-sectional area of contact CT3, whichis illustrated as being greater than cross-sectional area of contactCT2. In many cases, the first and second circumferential portions ofsupport surface 324 and/or lateral support wall 304 will be disposedgenerally opposite one another.

With further reference to FIGS. 3-5, a gas spring assembly in accordancewith the subject matter of the present disclosure, such as gas springassembly 200, for example, can also include an interface between theoutside surface of the flexible wall of the gas spring assembly (e.g.,outside surface 332 of flexible wall 264 of flexible spring member 206)and a surface of the lateral support element of the gas spring assembly(e.g., support surface 324 of lateral support element 304) that hasreduced-frictional properties and/or characteristics (i.e., areduced-friction interface) in comparison with conventionalconstructions. In some cases, one or more elements, components and/ormaterials could be disposed on, along or otherwise between the flexiblespring member and a surface of the lateral support element. For example,gas spring assembly 200 can include an interface 334 that extendsannularly about axis AX between support surface 324 of lateral supportelement 304 and outside surface 332 of flexible wall 264, and that is atleast partially formed by a quantity of material that is deposited orotherwise applied along the outer surface of the flexible wall, such asis represented in FIGS. 3-5 by dashed line 336. Additionally, or in thealternative, interface 334 can be at least partially formed by aquantity of material could be deposited or otherwise applied along atleast a portion of support surface 324 of lateral support element 304,such as is represented in FIGS. 3-5 by solid line 338.

It will be appreciated that the quantity of material represented bylines 336 and 338 can be in any suitable form and/or of any suitableconsistency, and can include compounds and/or compositions of anysuitable type and/or kind. For example (and without being limiting), insome cases, quantity of material 336 and/or 338 could take the form of aliquid, semi-solid or solid lubricant or other friction-reducingcompound, such as a grease, for example. In such case, the material(s)could be in form of a layer that extends approximately uniformly aboutaxis AX, such as in a continuous, annular manner or in a discontinuousor otherwise segmented configuration. Additionally, or in thealternative, quantity of material 336 and/or 338 could take the form ofa surface treatment of at least a portion of the element wall and/or theouter surface of the flexible wall. In some cases, the surface treatmentcan include coating of a low-friction material that is affixed to atleast a portion of the support surface and/or the outer surface of theflexible wall. Such a manner of forming a friction-reduced interface(e.g., interface 334) may, in some cases, minimize or at least reduceissues that may arise in connection with the migration of and/oradhesion of foreign materials to layers of liquid, semi-solid and, insome cases, solid lubricants. Examples of friction-reducing materialscan include polymeric coatings, such as PTFE based resins, and/or nearlyfrictionless carbon (NFC) coatings, for example. In some cases, thequantity of material (e.g., quantity of material 336 and/or 338) can beformed from any material or combination of materials capable ofgenerating or otherwise forming a comparatively reduced coefficient offriction between the material of the flexible wall (e.g., flexible wall264) and the material of the element wall (e.g., element wall 344)relative to an un-treated interface therebetween.

An alternate embodiment of an interface 340 in accordance with thesubject matter of the present disclosure is illustrated in FIG. 6 inwhich lateral support element 304 of FIGS. 3-5 has been replaced with alateral support element 342, which has an alternate construction to thatof lateral support element 304. It will be appreciated that, though notshown in FIG. 6, quantities of material 336 and/or 338 can, optionally,be used together with lateral support element 342 to form an interfacehaving reduced-frictional properties and/or characteristics (i.e., areduced-friction interface) in comparison with conventionalconstructions. As shown in FIG. 6, however, interface 340 is shown asbeing formed between lateral support element 342 and flexible wall 206of gas spring assembly 200.

As illustrated in the cross-sectional profile in FIG. 6, lateral supportelement 342 includes an element wall 344 in the form of an endless,annular ring that extends radially between an inward or mounting portion346 and an outward or support portion 348. Element wall 344 alsoincludes a bead-retaining wall portion 350 that extends in aradially-inward direction from along mounting portion 346. In somecases, bead-retaining wall portion 350 can have a somewhat hook-shapedcross-sectional profile and can, in some cases, form an innermost radialextent of the lateral support element. In a preferred arrangement,bead-retaining wall portion 350 can retain at least a portion of end 266of flexible wall 264 (e.g., mounting bead 270) in abutting engagementwith surface 214 of plate wall 210.

Additionally, it will be appreciated that lateral support element 342can be secured on or along end member 202 in any suitable manner. As oneexample, lateral support element 342 can include a plurality of holes oropenings 352 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 6) extendingtherethrough that are disposed in spaced relation to one another aboutelement wall 344, such as in peripherally-spaced relation to one anotheralong mounting portion 346 thereof, for example. In such case, platewall 210 of end member 202 can include a corresponding plurality ofholes or openings HLS (FIG. 4) that, together with holes 352, aredimensioned to receive securement devices 316, such as threaded fastenerand threaded nut assemblies, for example. In this manner, lateralsupport element 342 can be secured on end member 202, and flexiblespring member 206 can be operatively secured to the end member such thata substantially fluid-tight seal can be formed therebetween.

With further reference to FIG. 6, element wall 344 of lateral supportelement 342 is shown as including a mounting surface 354 that isdimensioned or otherwise configured to abuttingly engage an associatedcomponent or structural feature, such as plate wall 210 of end member202, for example. Element wall 344 also includes an outer surface 356along support portion 348 that can have any suitable shape and/orconfiguration, such as a frustoconical shape, for example. Element wall344 can include an outer peripheral wall portion 358 that, in somecases, can at least partially define an outermost peripheral extent oflateral support element 342. The element wall (e.g., element wall 344)of a lateral support element, such as lateral support element 342, forexample, can further include a support surface having a cross-sectionalprofile suitable for operatively engaging and at least partiallysupporting, either directly or indirectly, the flexible spring member ofthe gas spring assembly during lateral (i.e., transverse) movement ofthe end members relative to one another.

It will be appreciated that a lateral support element in accordance withthe subject matter of the present disclosure (e.g., lateral supportelement 304 and/or 342) can include any suitable combination of one ormore components and/or elements, which can be formed from any suitablematerial or combination of materials. As one example, the element wallof the lateral support element could be primarily formed from areduced-friction material, such as a rigid or semi-rigid thermoplasticmaterial (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene and/or polyamide). In somecases, the lateral support element can, optionally, include one or morereinforcing elements or structures, such as could be disposed on, alongor at least partially embedded within the element wall thereof, such asmay be useful for providing increased axial rigidity and/or structuralintegrity of the lateral support element which may be beneficial forminimizing or at least reducing axial deflection of the element wallduring use in operation. One example of a reinforcing element orstructure 360 is shown in FIG. 6 as being substantially entirelyembedded within element wall 344, can be formed as a comparativelythin-walled component that is formed from a comparatively rigidmaterial, such as a reinforced thermoplastic (e.g., glass-filledpolyamide) or a metal material (e.g., steel), for example.

As another example, the element wall of the lateral support elementcould be primarily formed from a substantially rigid material, such as ametal material (e.g., steel or aluminum) or a reinforced orhigh-strength thermoplastic (e.g., glass-filled polyamide). Alternately,a somewhat less rigid material could be used together with a reinforcingelement or structure, such as reinforcing structure 360, for example.Additionally, a lateral support element in accordance with the subjectmatter of the present disclosure can, optionally, include one or morefriction-reducing wall section that are at least partially embedded orotherwise disposed along one or more surfaces of the element wall. Asillustrated in FIG. 6, element wall 344 of lateral support element 342can, optionally, include a reduced-friction wall section 362, such as inthe form of an annular insert, for example, that is at least partiallyembedded within element wall 344. In the arrangement shown,reduced-friction wall section 362 includes opposing sides 364 and 366that extend radially between opposing edges 368 and 370. It will beappreciated, however, that other configurations and/or arrangementscould alternately be used. Reduced-friction wall section 362 can besupported or otherwise retained on or along element wall 344 in anysuitable manner, such as by way of one or more mechanical fasteners(e.g., threaded fasteners), one or more flowed-material joints (e.g.,adhesive and/or welded connections) and/or by co-molding or over-moldingthe element wall and the reduced-friction wall section together, forexample.

Additionally, it will be appreciated that reduced-friction wall section362 can be formed from any suitable material or combination of materialshaving a comparatively reduced coefficient of friction relative to thematerial of element wall 344. Examples of such materials can includepolymeric materials, such as ultra-high molecular weight polyethyleneand PTFE-based resins, for example, and nearly frictionless carbon (NFC)coatings disposed along a substrate or base material (e.g., a metal orceramic material), for example. It will be appreciated, however, thatother materials and/or combinations of materials can be used withoutdeparting from the subject matter of the present disclosure.

As identified in FIG. 6, element wall 344 of lateral support element 342includes a support surface 372 that is shown as facing in a directiongenerally opposite mounting surface 354 and/or outer surface 356. In apreferred arrangement, element wall 344 is positioned such that at leasta portion of support surface 372 can abuttingly engage a portion offlexible spring member 206 during lateral (i.e., transverse) movement ofend member 202 relative to end member 204. It will be appreciated thatlateral support elements having support surfaces with cross-sectionalprofiles of a variety of shapes, sizes and configurations have beendeveloped and are commonly used, such as may be suitable forcontributing to certain lateral performance characteristics of a gasspring assembly, for example. As such, it will be appreciated that asupport surface having a cross-sectional profile of any suitable size,shape and/or configuration could be used.

In the arrangement shown in FIG. 6, support surface 372 is shown asincluding a surface profile portion 374 that extends transverse to axisAX and in approximate alignment with mounting surface such that anannularly-extending, approximately planar area is formed along aradially-inward portion of support surface 372. Support surface 372 isalso shown as including a surface profile portion 376 that extendsradially outwardly from along surface profile portion 374 at an angle(not numbered) relative to surface profile portion 364 such that afrustoconically-shaped area is formed along a radially-outward portionof the support surface. In some cases, the approximately planar, annulararea that is at least partially defined by surface profile portion 374can correspond to a relatively constant lateral stiffness of the gasspring assembly, such as may occur during relative lateral deflection ofthe end members in which at least a portion of flexible wall 206contacts or otherwise abuttingly engages a portion of the approximatelyplanar area. And, in some cases, a forward or positive taper area can beat least partially defined by surface profile portion 376 and can, insome cases, provide for increased lateral stiffness of the gas springassembly, such as may occur during lateral deflection of the end membersrelative to one another under which at least a portion of flexible wall206 contacts or otherwise abuttingly engages a portion of the forward orpositive taper area.

It will be recognized from FIG. 6 that surface profile portion 374 can,in some cases, be at least partially from side or surface 364 ofreduced-friction wall section 362. Additionally, or in the alternative,it will be recognized that surface profile portion 376 can, in somecases, be at least partially formed from side or surface 364 ofreduced-friction wall section 362. It will be appreciated, however, thatother configurations and/or arrangements could alternately be used.

Generally, a gas spring assembly in accordance with the subject matterof the present disclosure can include a friction-reducing member, eitheras a part of the lateral support element (i.e., bead skirt) or betweenthe lateral support element and the flexible spring member, to provide asurface on which the flexible wall can slide without significant wear.In some cases, the angle of the bearing surface of the lateral supportelement may be reduced relative to the plane of the end member (e.g.,bead plate) to further reduce friction. As a result, a gas springassembly in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosurecan allow a certain amount of lateral movement while reducing frictionand wear on the flexible spring member, which may, in some cases,minimize or at least reduce the possibility of performance degradationof the flexible wall in addition to reducing the lateral spring rate ofthe gas spring assembly. As discussed above, the friction-reducingmember can be an integral part of the bottom, sleeve-facing surface ofthe lateral support element, such that the friction-reducing member maybe formed with the bead skirt as a single unit. Alternatively, asdiscussed above, the friction-reducing member may be a component formedseparate from the bead skirt and position between the sleeve-facingsurface of the bead skirt and the flexible spring member. Thefriction-reducing member may be formed from any low friction material,such as sintered/porous metal inundated with lubricant, thermoplastics(e.g., UHMW polyethylene, PTFE based resins, Teflon®, and nearlyfrictionless carbon (NFC) coatings and/or films, such as may be appliedon or along substrates formed from steel, aluminum and/or titaniumalloys, glass, ceramics and/or hard, high-temperature plastics, forexample.

Another example of a gas spring assembly in accordance with the subjectmatter of the present disclosure, such as may be suitable for use as oneor more of gas spring assemblies 120 in FIGS. 1 and 2, for example, isshown as gas spring assembly 400 in FIGS. 7-9. The gas spring assemblyhas a longitudinal axis AX and includes an end member 402, an end member404 spaced longitudinally from end member 402 and a flexible springmember or sleeve 406 that extends peripherally about the longitudinalaxis and is secured between the end members to at least partially definea spring chamber 408.

Gas spring assembly 400 can be disposed between associated sprung andunsprung masses of an associated vehicle in any suitable manner. Forexample, one end member can be operatively connected to an associatedsprung mass with the other end member disposed toward and operativelyconnected to the associated unsprung mass. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 7 and 8, for example, end member 402 is secured on or alongstructural component SC1, such as an associated vehicle body 102 in FIG.1, for example, and can be secured thereon in any suitable manner. Asanother example, end member 404 is secured on or along structuralcomponent SC2, such as an associated rail bogie 104 in FIG. 1, forexample, and can be secured thereon in any suitable manner.

In the exemplary arrangement in FIGS. 7 and 8, end member 402 is shownas taking the form of a top plate having a plate wall 410 that hasopposing surfaces 412 and 414 such that a plate height (not identified)is at least partially defined therebetween. Plate wall 410 is shown asbeing generally planar and extending outwardly to an outer periphery416. In some cases, plate wall 410 can have a generally circular shapesuch that an outer peripheral surface 418 extending in a heightwisedirection can have a generally cylindrical shape. A passage surface 420at least partially defines a gas transfer passage 422 extending throughthe end member such that pressurized gas can be transferred into and outof spring chamber 408, such as by way of pneumatic system 124 (FIG. 2)for example. In some cases, the end member can include a projection orboss 424 that extends from along plate wall 410 in a longitudinaldirection. In the exemplary arrangement shown in FIGS. 7 and 8,projection 424 extends axially outwardly away from spring chamber 408.

As mentioned above, one or more securement devices (not shown) can beused to secure or otherwise interconnect the end members of the gasspring assembly with corresponding structural components. In some cases,projection 424 can include an outer surface 426 that is dimensioned forreceipt within a passage or mounting hole MHL that extends throughstructural component SC1. Additionally, one or more sealing elements 428can, optionally, be included that are disposed between or otherwise atleast partially form a substantially fluid-tight connection between theend member and the structural component, such as between projection 424and mounting hole MHL, for example. In some cases, structural componentSC1 can, optionally, at least partially define an external reservoirsuitable for storing a quantity of pressurized gas.

End member 404 is shown as taking the form of an assembly that includesa support base or pedestal 430 and a base plate 432 that is secured onor along the pedestal in a suitable manner, such as by way of aflowed-material joint 434, for example. Pedestal 430 extends axiallybetween opposing ends 436 and 438, and includes an outer surface 440that extends peripherally about axis AX and an end surface 442 that isdisposed along end 438 and is dimensioned or otherwise configured foroperative engagement with an associated structural component, such asstructural component SC2, for example. It will be appreciated that endmember 404 can be secured on or along the associated structuralcomponent in any suitable manner. As one example, pedestal 430 caninclude a plurality of securement features 444, such as threadedpassages that extend inwardly into the pedestal from along end surface442, for example. In some cases, a corresponding number of one or moreholes or passages HLS can extend through structural component SC2 thatare dimensioned for receipt of a securement device 446, such as athreaded fastener, for example. It will be appreciated, however, thatother configurations and/or arrangements could alternately be used.

Base plate 432 can have a plate wall (not numbered) that has opposingsurfaces 448 and 450 such that a plate height (not identified) is atleast partially defined therebetween. Base plate 432 is shown as beinggenerally planar and extending outwardly to an outer periphery 452. Insome cases, base plate 432 can have a generally circular shape such thatan outer peripheral surface 454 extending in a heightwise direction canhave a generally cylindrical shape. Additionally, in some cases, baseplate 432 can, optionally, include an endless annular recess or groove456 that extends axially inwardly into the base plate from along surface448 thereof. It will be appreciated that such a groove, if provided, canbe of any suitable size, shape, configuration and/or arrangement. Forexample, groove 456 is shown as being at least partially defined by abottom surface 458, an inner side surface 460 and an outer side surface462. In a preferred arrangement, groove 456 can be dimensioned to atleast partially receive a portion of flexible spring member 406 and oneor more retaining elements, such as may be used to secure the flexiblespring member on or along the base plate, for example.

Flexible spring member 406 can be of any suitable size, shape,construction and/or configuration. As one example, flexible springmember 406 can include a flexible wall 464 that is at least partiallyformed from one or more layers or plies (not identified) of elastomericmaterial (e.g., natural rubber, synthetic rubber and/or thermoplasticelastomer) and can optionally include one or more plies or layers offilament reinforcing material (not shown). Flexible wall 464 is shownextending in a longitudinal direction between opposing ends 466 and 468.In some cases, flexible wall 464 can, optionally, include a mountingbead dispose along either one or both of ends 466 and 468. In thearrangement shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, mounting beads 470 and 472 are shownas being respectively disposed along ends 466 and 468. In some cases,the mounting beads can, optionally, include a reinforcing element, suchas an endless, annular bead core 474, for example.

It will be appreciated, that the ends of flexible spring member 406 canbe secured on, along or otherwise interconnected between end members 402and 404 in any suitable manner. As one example, gas spring assembly 400can include one or more bead retaining elements that engage at least aportion of the flexible spring member and maintain the flexible springmember in substantially fluid-tight engagement with the correspondingend member (e.g., end member 404). In the arrangement shown in FIGS. 7and 8, end 468 of flexible wall 464 is disposed in abutting engagementwith bottom surface 458 of groove 456 in base plate 432. A beadretaining element 476, such as in the form of an endless, annular ring,for example, captures at least a portion of mounting bead 472 and isshown as being secured on or along base plate 432 by way of a pluralityof securement devices 478, such as, for example, threaded fastener (notnumbered) and threaded nut (not numbered) combinations that extendthrough at least approximately aligned holes or slots (not numbered) inthe base plate and in the bead retaining element.

Typically, at least a portion of flexible spring member 406 will extendradially outward beyond outer periphery 452 of base plate 432. In somecases, end member 404 can include an outer support wall 480 (FIG. 8)that can, optionally, extend peripherally around or otherwise along baseplate 432, such as from along the plate wall of the base plate and in adirection toward end 440 of pedestal 430. In such cases, flexible springmember 406 can extend along an outer surface 482 (FIG. 8) of outersupport wall 480 such that a rolling lobe 484 is formed along theflexible spring member. Outer surface 482 is shown in FIG. 8 as having agenerally cylindrical shape, and rolling lobe 484 can be displaceablealong the outer surface as the gas spring assembly is axially displacedbetween extended and compressed conditions, such as may occur duringdynamic use in operation. It will be appreciated that other shapesand/or configurations of outer support wall 480 and/or outer surface 482can alternately be used, such as may be useful to provide desiredperformance characteristics, for example.

As is well known in the art, it is generally desirable to avoid or atleast minimize contact between end members of a gas spring assembly,such as may occur due to variations in load conditions and/or upondeflation of the gas spring assembly, for example. As such, gas springassembly 400 is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 as including a jounce bumper 486(FIG. 8) that is disposed within spring chamber 408 and supported on endmember 404. As identified in FIG. 8, jounce bumper 486 is shown asincluding a mounting plate 488 that is disposed in abutting engagementwith end member 404, a bumper body 490 supported on the mounting plate,and a wear plate 492 that is supported on at least partially embeddedwithin bumper body 490.

It will be appreciated that jounce bumper 486 can be secured on or alongan end member in any suitable manner. As identified in FIG. 8, forexample, base plate 432 of end member 404 is shown as including one ormore securement features 494, such as may take the form of a pluralityof threaded holes, for example. In such case, a corresponding number ofone or more securement devices 496, such as one or more threadedfasteners, for example, can extend through one of a corresponding numberof holes, openings or other features of the jounce bumper or a componentthereof (e.g., mounting plate 488) to secure the jounce bumper on oralong the end member.

Gas spring assembly 400 can also, optionally, include a complimentarycomponent that may be dimensioned to or otherwise suitable forabuttingly engaging the jounce bumper or a component thereof (e.g., wearplate 492). In the arrangement shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, gas springassembly 400 includes a bearing plate 498 that is disposed in abuttingengagement along surface 414 of plate wall 410 and is secured on oralong end member 402. It will be appreciated that the bearing plate canbe attached to the end member in any suitable manner. For example, platewall 410 of end member 402 can include one or more securement features500, such as threaded holes, for example, that as may be suitable forreceiving a complimentary securement device 502, such as a threadedfastener, for example, to secure the bearing plate on or along the endmember.

As discussed above, it will be appreciated, that the ends of flexiblespring member 406 can be secured on, along or otherwise interconnectedbetween end members 402 and 404 in any suitable manner. As mentionedabove, for example, gas spring assembly 400 can include one or more beadretaining elements that engage at least a portion of the flexible springmember and maintain the flexible spring member in substantiallyfluid-tight engagement with the corresponding end member (e.g., endmember 402). In some cases, a bead retaining element, such as beadretaining element 476, for example, could be used. Alternately, one ormore bead retaining features can be formed on or along another componentof the gas spring assembly. For example, in the arrangement shown inFIGS. 7 and 8, gas spring assembly 400 includes a lateral supportelement 504 in accordance with the subject matter of the presentdisclosure that is configured to engage a portion of flexible springmember 406 during lateral movement of end member 402 relative to endmember 404. Additionally, lateral support element 504 can, optionally,be adapted or otherwise configured to secure or otherwise support an endof a flexible wall, such as end 466, for example, on or along an endmember, such as end member 402, for example.

As identified in FIG. 9, lateral support element 504 includes an elementwall 506 in the form of an endless, annular ring that extends radiallybetween an inward or mounting portion 508 and an outward or supportportion 510. As illustrated in the cross-sectional profile shown in FIG.9, element wall 506 includes a bead-retaining wall portion 512 thatextends in a radially-inward direction from along mounting portion 508.Bead-retaining wall portion 512 can have a somewhat hook-shapedcross-sectional profile and can, in some cases, form an innermost radialextent of the lateral support element. In a preferred arrangement,bead-retaining wall portion 512 can retain end 466 of flexible wall 464in abutting engagement with surface 414 of plate wall 410.

Additionally, it will be appreciated that lateral support element 504can be secured on or along end member 402 in any suitable manner. As oneexample, lateral support element 504 can include a plurality of holes oropenings 514 extending therethrough that are disposed in spaced relationto one another about element wall 506, such as in peripherally-spacedrelation to one another along mounting portion 508 thereof, for example.In such case, plate wall 410 of end member 402 can include acorresponding plurality of holes or openings HLS (FIG. 8) that, togetherwith holes 514, are dimensioned to receive one of a plurality ofsecurement devices 516, such as threaded fastener and threaded nutassemblies, for example. In this manner, lateral support element 504 canbe secured on end member 402, and flexible spring member 406 can beoperatively secured to the end member such that a substantiallyfluid-tight seal can be formed therebetween.

With further reference to FIG. 9, element wall 506 of lateral supportelement 504 is shown as including a mounting surface 518 that isdimensioned or otherwise configured to abuttingly engage an associatedcomponent or structural feature, such as plate wall 410 of end member402, for example. Element wall 506 also includes an outer surface 520along support portion 510 that can have any suitable shape and/orconfiguration, such as a frustoconical shape, for example. Element wall506 can include an outer peripheral wall portion 522 that, in somecases, can at least partially define an outermost peripheral extend tolateral support element 504. A lateral support element in accordancewith the subject matter of the present disclosure also includes asupport surface having a cross-sectional profile suitable for improvingstability and/or control of the gas spring assembly during lateral(i.e., transverse) movement of the end members relative to one another.

As identified in FIG. 9, element wall 506 of lateral support element 504includes a support surface 524 that is positioned to abuttingly engage aportion of flexible spring member 406 during lateral (i.e., transverse)movement of end member 402 relative to end member 404 and thereby atleast partially form another example of an interface 525 in accordancewith the subject matter of the present disclosure. It will beappreciated that end members 402 and 404 are shown in FIG. 7 in anapproximately coaxial or aligned condition, and are shown in FIG. 8 asbeing moved in a lateral direction into an offset or laterally-shiftedcondition, such as is represented in FIG. 8 by reference arrows MVT. Itwill be appreciated that, in a preferred embodiment, flexible springmember 406 is separated or otherwise spaced apart from at least aportion of support surface 524 of lateral support element 504 when endmembers 402 and 404 are disposed toward a neutral, centered, coaxial orotherwise at least approximately aligned condition, such as is shown andidentified in FIG. 7 by arrows SP1, for example. As end members 402 and404 are laterally displaced relative to one another toward an offset orlaterally-shifted condition, flexible wall 406 will further separatefrom support surface 524 along or otherwise around a firstcircumferential portion of lateral support element 504, such as is shownand identified in FIG. 8 by arrow SP2. Additionally, as end members 402and 404 are laterally displaced relative to one another toward an offsetor laterally-shifted condition, flexible wall 406 will come intoincreased contact with support surface 524 along or otherwise around asecond, different circumferential portion of lateral support wall 504,such as is shown and identified in FIG. 8 by arrow NSP. In many cases,the first and second circumferential portions of support surface 524and/or lateral support wall 504 will be disposed generally opposite oneanother.

With further reference to FIG. 9, support surface 524 includes across-sectional profile having two or more sections or portions thatextend peripherally about element wall 506 of lateral support element504. Support surface 524 at least partially defines an annular groove orcavity 526 that extends into element wall 506, such as is illustrated byreference line RLN that extends in a direction generally transverse(e.g., perpendicular) to axis AX and/or in approximate alignment withmounting surface 518.

In the arrangement shown in FIGS. 7-9, the cross-sectional profile ofsupport surface 524 can, optionally, include a first profile section 528that extends from a first profile point 530 toward a second profilepoint 532 and forms a reverse or negative taper area that extendsannularly around element wall 506. In a preferred arrangement, firstprofile section 528 can have an approximately linear shape and canextend from point 530 toward point 532 at an angle AG1 relative toreference line RLN. In such case, the reverse or negative taper areaformed along element wall 506 can have an approximately frustoconicalshape. Generally, the reverse or negative taper area that is at leastpartially defined by first profile section 528 can, in some cases,provide for reduced lateral stiffness of the gas spring assembly, suchas may occur during lateral deflection of the end members relative toone another under which at least a portion of flexible wall 406 contactsor otherwise abuttingly engages a portion of the reverse or negativetaper area.

The cross-sectional profile of support surface 524 can also, optionally,include a second profile section 534 that extends from approximatelysecond profile point 532 toward a third profile point 536 and forms asustaining load area that extends annularly around element wall 506. Ina preferred arrangement, second profile section 534 can have a radial orotherwise curvilinear shape. In such case, the sustaining load areaformed along element wall 506 can have a curved, annular shape.Generally, the sustaining load area that is at least partially definedby second profile section 534 can, in some cases, provide for arelatively constant lateral stiffness of the gas spring assembly asrelative lateral deflection of the end members occurs such that at leasta portion of flexible wall 406 contacts or otherwise abuttingly engagesa portion of the sustaining load area. It will be appreciated, that thelateral stiffness of the gas spring assembly during contact along secondprofile section 534 may vary within a range that is substantiallyreduced from the variations in lateral stiffness associated with thenegative taper area. As one example, a variation of less than 20 percentof the total variation of the negative taper area could be provided bythe sustaining load area.

The cross-sectional profile of support surface 524 can also, optionallyinclude a third profile section 538 that extends from approximatelythird profile point 536 toward a fourth profile point 540 and forms areturning curvature area that extends annularly around element wall 506.In a preferred arrangement, third profile section 538 can have a radialor otherwise curvilinear shape. In such case, the returning curvaturearea formed along element wall 506 can have a curved, annular shape.Generally, the returning curvature area that is at least partiallydefined by third profile section 538 can, in some cases, provide for anincreasing lateral stiffness of the gas spring assembly as relativelateral deflection of the end members occurs, such as when at least aportion of flexible wall 506 contacts or otherwise abuttingly engages aportion of the returning curvature area.

While both profile sections are described as including a radial orotherwise curvilinear shape, it will be appreciated that second profilesection 534 and third profile section 538 differ in at least tworespects. As one example, second profile section 534 is shown asextending between profile points 532 and 536 that are disposed inapproximate alignment with one another with respect to reference lineRLN. Additionally, second profile section 534 has a distal extent thatis spaced a first distance from profile points 532 and 536, as isrepresented in FIG. 9 by reference dimension D1.

Whereas, third profile section 538 is shown as extending between profilepoints 536 and 540 that are disposed in axially spaced relation to oneanother, as is represented in FIG. 9 by reference dimension D2.

It has been determined that variations in relative positions alongsupport surface 524 in the axial direction can generally correspond tovariations in lateral stiffness. As such, the minimal overall variationin axial position along second profile section 534, as represented bydimension D1, can roughly correspond to a minimal or nearly constantlateral stiffness along the second profile section. Accordingly, thegreater overall variation in axial position along third profile section538, as represented by dimension D2, can roughly correspond to asignificant increase in lateral stiffness along the third profilesection in the direction from third point 536 toward fourth point 540.

As a second example, second profile section 534 is shown as including acenter of curvature CV1 that is disposed along a side 542 of lateralsupport element 504 from along which cavity 526 extends into elementwall 506. Whereas, third profile section 538 is shown as including acenter of curvature CV2 that is disposed along an opposing side 544 oflateral support element 504, such as may be adjacent mounting surface518, for example. As such, the rate of change of profile sections 534and 538 differ as the flexible wall is displaced laterally therealong ina direction from first profile point 530 toward fourth profile point540. Additionally, it will be appreciated that the radial or otherwisecurved shape of profile sections 534 and 538 can take the form ofsuitable geometric configuration, whether regular or irregular, and canvary along the respective lengths thereof.

In some cases, the cross-sectional profile of support surface 524 canalso, optionally, include a fourth profile section 546 extends fromapproximately fourth profile point 540 toward an outermost peripheralpoint 548. In some cases, a transition section 550 can extend fromapproximately fourth profile point 540 to a fifth profile point 552 withfourth profile section 546 extending from approximately fifth profilepoint 552 toward outermost peripheral point 548. In a preferredarrangement, fourth profile section 546, if included, can have anapproximately linear shape and can extend at an angle AG2 relative toreference line RLN. In such case, a forward or positive taper area canbe formed along element wall 506 that can have an approximatelyfrustoconical shape. Generally, the forward or positive taper area thatis at least partially defined by fourth profile section 546 can, in somecases, provide for further increased lateral stiffness of the gas springassembly, such as may occur during lateral deflection of the end membersrelative to one another under which at least a portion of flexible wall406 contacts or otherwise abuttingly engages a portion of the forward orpositive taper area.

FIG. 10 is a graphical representation of a lateral force versus lateraldisplacement curve for a conventional lateral support element, which isrepresented in FIG. 10 by solid line L1, and an anticipated lateralforce versus lateral displacement curve for an interface and/or alateral support element in accordance with the subject matter of thepresent disclosure, such as one of interfaces 334, 340 and/or 525 and/orone of lateral support elements 304, 342 and/or 504, for example, whichis represented in FIG. 10 by dashed line L2. As can be observed from thegraphical representation, at a given lateral displacement, which isrepresented in FIG. 10 by displacement line DN, a conventional lateralsupport element can have a lateral stiffness or force that correspondsto reference dimension F1. Whereas, an interface and/or lateral supportelement in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure,such as one of interfaces 334, 340 and/or 525 and/or one of lateralsupport elements 304, 342 and/or 504, for example, may have ananticipated lateral stiffness or force that corresponds to a referencedimension F2. As such, for a given lateral displacement within a normalrange of displacement, which is represented in FIG. 10 by referencedimension DNR, an interface and/or lateral support element in accordancewith the subject matter of the present disclosure can have a lowerlateral stiffness or force than that of a conventional lateral supportelement. As can also be observed from the graphical representation inFIG. 10, however, under conditions of maximum lateral displacement, suchas are represented by reference dimensions DMX, an interface and/orlateral support element in accordance with the subject matter of thepresent disclosure, such as one of interfaces 334, 340 and/or 525 and/orone of lateral support elements 304, 342 and/or 504, for example, mayhave anticipated lateral stiffness or force that is approximately equalto the lateral stiffness or force of a conventional lateral supportelement, such as is represented in FIG. 10 by reference points FFD.

One example of a method 600 of manufacturing a gas spring assembly inaccordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure, such asone of gas spring assemblies 120, 200 and/or 400, for example, is shownin FIG. 11 as including providing a flexible wall, such as flexible wall264 of flexible spring member 206 and/or flexible wall 464 of flexiblespring member 406, as is represented in FIG. 11 by item number 602.Method 600 also includes providing a first end member, such as endmember 202 and/or 402, for example, as is represented by item number604. Method 600 can further include securing a first end of the flexiblewall on or along the first end member, as is represented that itemnumber 606. Method 600 can also include providing a lateral supportelement, such as lateral support element 304, 342 and/or 504, forexample, as is represented in FIG. 11 by item number 608.

Method 600 can further include positioning the lateral support elementon, along or otherwise adjacent the flexible wall, as is represented inFIG. 11 by item number 610. Method 600 can also include forming aninterface, such as interface 334, 340 and/or 525, for example, such asis represented by item number 612. Method 600 can further includeproviding a second end member, such as end member 204 and/or 404, forexample, as is represented by item number 614. Method 600 can furtherinclude securing the second end member on or along an end of theflexible wall to at least partially form a spring chamber, such asspring chamber 208 and/or 408, for example, as is represented in FIG. 11by item number 616.

As used herein with reference to certain features, elements, componentsand/or structures, numerical ordinals (e.g., first, second, third,fourth, etc.) may be used to denote different singles of a plurality orotherwise identify certain features, elements, components and/orstructures, and do not imply any order or sequence unless specificallydefined by the claim language. Additionally, the terms “transverse,” andthe like, are to be broadly interpreted. As such, the terms“transverse,” and the like, can include a wide range of relative angularorientations that include, but are not limited to, an approximatelyperpendicular angular orientation. Also, the terms “circumferential,”“circumferentially,” and the like, are to be broadly interpreted and caninclude, but are not limited to circular shapes and/or configurations.In this regard, the terms “circumferential,” “circumferentially,” andthe like, can be synonymous with terms such as “peripheral,”“peripherally,” and the like.

Furthermore, the phrase “flowed-material joint” and the like, if usedherein, are to be interpreted to include any joint or connection inwhich a liquid or otherwise flowable material (e.g., a melted metal orcombination of melted metals) is deposited or otherwise presentedbetween adjacent component parts and operative to form a fixed andsubstantially fluid-tight connection therebetween. Examples of processesthat can be used to form such a flowed-material joint include, withoutlimitation, welding processes, brazing processes and solderingprocesses. In such cases, one or more metal materials and/or alloys canbe used to form such a flowed-material joint, in addition to anymaterial from the component parts themselves. Another example of aprocess that can be used to form a flowed-material joint includesapplying, depositing or otherwise presenting an adhesive betweenadjacent component parts that is operative to form a fixed andsubstantially fluid-tight connection therebetween. In such case, it willbe appreciated that any suitable adhesive material or combination ofmaterials can be used, such as one-part and/or two-part epoxies, forexample.

Further still, the term “gas” is used herein to broadly refer to anygaseous or vaporous fluid. Most commonly, air is used as the workingmedium of gas spring devices, such as those described herein, as well assuspension systems and other components thereof. However, it will beunderstood that any suitable gaseous fluid could alternately be used.

It will be recognized that numerous different features and/or componentsare presented in the embodiments shown and described herein, and that noone embodiment may be specifically shown and described as including allsuch features and components. As such, it is to be understood that thesubject matter of the present disclosure is intended to encompass anyand all combinations of the different features and components that areshown and described herein, and, without limitation, that any suitablearrangement of features and components, in any combination, can be used.As one example, it will be appreciated that any combination of features,properties and/or characteristics from any one of more of interfaces334, 340 and/or 525 and from any one or more of lateral support elements304, 342 and/or 504 can be used in any suitable configuration and/orarrangement. Thus it is to be distinctly understood claims directed toany such combination of features and/or components, whether or notspecifically embodied herein, are intended to find support in thepresent disclosure.

Thus, while the subject matter of the present disclosure has beendescribed with reference to the foregoing embodiments and considerableemphasis has been placed herein on the structures and structuralinterrelationships between the component parts of the embodimentsdisclosed, it will be appreciated that other embodiments can be made andthat many changes can be made in the embodiments illustrated anddescribed without departing from the principles hereof. Obviously,modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading andunderstanding the preceding detailed description. Accordingly, it is tobe distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to beinterpreted merely as illustrative of the subject matter of the presentdisclosure and not as a limitation. As such, it is intended that thesubject matter of the present disclosure be construed as including allsuch modifications and alterations.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A gas spring assembly comprising: aflexible wall having a longitudinal axis and extending peripherallyabout said longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end spacedlongitudinally from said first end, said flexible wall including aninner surface and an outer surface with said inner surface at leastpartially defining a spring chamber; and, a lateral support elementincluding an element wall with a first surface facing away from saidflexible wall and a second surface facing toward said flexible wall,said lateral support element disposed along said first end of saidflexible wall such that an interface is formed between said outersurface of said flexible wall and said second surface of said lateralsupport element, said interface operative to generate a lateralspring-rate profile that varies according to lateral displacement ofsaid flexible wall and said lateral support element relative to oneanother, said second surface of said lateral support element having areference plane disposed transverse to said longitudinal axis andincluding a cross-sectional profile extending from an inner profileendpoint to an outer profile endpoint, said cross-sectional profileincluding: a first profile segment extending radially-outward andsubstantially linearly from said inner profile endpoint at a first anglerelative to said reference plane; a second profile segment disposedradially outward of said first profile segment and extendingradially-outward toward said outer profile endpoint, said second profilesegment having a concave shape facing toward said second end of saidflexible wall; a third profile segment disposed radially outward of saidsecond profile segment and extending radially-outward toward said outerprofile endpoint, said third profile segment having a convex shapefacing toward said second end of said flexible wall; and, a fourthprofile segment disposed radially outward of said third profile segment,said fourth profile segment extending radially-outward and substantiallylinearly from adjacent said third profile segment at a second anglerelative to said reference plane.
 2. A gas spring assembly according toclaim 1, wherein said gas spring assembly is laterally displaceablebetween a neutral position and a laterally-offset position such that insaid neutral position said second end of said flexible wall and saidlateral support element are disposed approximately coaxial alignmentwith one another and in said laterally-offset position said second endof said flexible wall and said lateral support element are disposed inlaterally-spaced apart relation to one another.
 3. A gas spring assemblyaccording to claim 2, wherein a portion of said outer surface of saidflexible wall is disposed in abutting engagement with an annular area ofsaid second surface of said lateral support element in said neutralposition.
 4. A gas spring assembly according to claim 2, wherein atleast a portion of said outer surface of said flexible wall is disposedin spaced relation to said second surface of said lateral supportelement in said neutral position.
 5. A gas spring assembly according toclaim 2, wherein a portion of an annular area of said outer surface ofsaid flexible wall is disposed in abutting engagement with a portion ofan annular area of said second surface of said lateral support elementand the remaining portion of said annular area of said outer surface ofsaid flexible wall is disposed in spaced relation to the remainingportion of said annular area of said second surface of said lateralsupport element in said laterally-offset position.
 6. A gas springassembly according to claim 1, wherein a friction-reducing material isdisposed along said interface between at least a portion of saidflexible wall and said lateral support element.
 7. A gas spring assemblyaccording to claim 6, wherein said outer surface of said flexible walland said second surface of said lateral support element have a firstcoefficient of friction therebetween and said friction-reducing materialgenerates an area along said interface having a second coefficient offriction that is less than said first coefficient of friction.
 8. A gasspring assembly according to claim 7, wherein said friction-reducingmaterial includes at least one of a quantity of free material applied toat least one of said flexible wall and said lateral support element, asurface treatment applied to at least one of said flexible wall and saidlateral support element, and a friction-reducing component secured toone of said flexible wall and said lateral support element.
 9. A gasspring assembly according to claim 8, wherein said friction-reducingmaterial includes a quantity of free material in the form of at leastone of a liquid, a semi-solid and a solid lubricant.
 10. A gas springassembly according to claim 8, wherein said friction-reducing materialincludes a surface treatment that includes at least one of a polymericcoating and a nearly-frictionless-carbon coating applied to at least aportion of at least one surface of at least one of said flexible walland said lateral support element.
 11. A gas spring assembly according toclaim 8, wherein said friction-reducing material includes afriction-reducing component secured to said second surface of saidlateral support element, said friction-reducing component being at leastpartially formed from one or more of a polymeric material and nearlyfrictionless carbon (NFC) coating disposed along a substrate.
 12. A gasspring assembly according to claim 1 further comprising: a first endmember secured across said first end of said flexible wall andoperatively associated with said lateral support element; and, a secondend member secured across said second end of said flexible wall suchthat said spring chamber is at least partially defined by said flexiblewall between said first and second end members.
 13. A gas springassembly according to claim 12, wherein at least a portion of said firstend of said flexible wall is disposed between said first end member andsaid lateral support element to at least partially secure said flexiblewall on said first end member.
 14. A gas spring assembly comprising: aflexible wall having a longitudinal axis and extending peripherallyabout said longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end spacedlongitudinally from said first end, said flexible wall including aninner surface and an outer surface with said inner surface at leastpartially defining a spring chamber; a first end member secured acrosssaid first end of said flexible wall; a second end member secured acrosssaid second end of said flexible wall such that said spring chamber isat least partially defined by said flexible wall between said first andsecond end members; and, a lateral support element disposed along andoperatively associated with said first end member and said first end ofsaid flexible wall, said lateral support element including an elementwall with a first surface facing away from said flexible wall and asecond surface facing toward said flexible wall such that an interfaceis formed between said outer surface of said flexible wall and saidsecond surface of said lateral support element that is operative togenerate a lateral spring-rate profile that varies according to lateraldisplacement of said flexible wall and said lateral support elementrelative to one another by including one of: a friction-reducingmaterial is disposed along said interface between at least a portion ofsaid flexible wall and said lateral support element; and, across-sectional profile extending along a reference plane disposedtransverse to said longitudinal axis from an inner profile endpoint toan outer profile endpoint with said cross-sectional profile including: afirst profile segment extending radially-outward and substantiallylinearly from said inner profile endpoint at a first angle relative tosaid reference plane; a second profile segment disposed radially outwardof said first profile segment and extending radially-outward toward saidouter profile endpoint, said second profile segment having a concaveshape facing toward said second end of said flexible wall; a thirdprofile segment disposed radially outward of said second profile segmentand extending radially-outward toward said outer profile endpoint, saidthird profile segment having a convex shape facing toward said secondend of said flexible wall; and, a fourth profile segment disposedradially outward of said third profile segment, said fourth profilesegment extending radially-outward and substantially linearly fromadjacent said third profile segment at a second angle relative to saidreference plane.
 15. A gas spring assembly according to claim 14,wherein said outer surface of said flexible wall and said second surfaceof said lateral support element have a first coefficient of frictiontherebetween and said friction-reducing material generates an area alongsaid interface having a second coefficient of friction that is less thansaid first coefficient of friction.
 16. A gas spring assembly accordingto claim 14, wherein said friction-reducing material includes at leastone of a quantity of free material applied to at least one of saidflexible wall and said lateral support element, a surface treatmentapplied to at least one of said flexible wall and said lateral supportelement, and a friction-reducing component secured to one of saidflexible wall and said lateral support element.
 17. A gas springassembly comprising: a flexible wall having a longitudinal axis andextending peripherally about said longitudinal axis between a first endand a second end spaced longitudinally from said first end, saidflexible wall including an inner surface and an outer surface with saidinner surface at least partially defining a spring chamber; a first endmember secured across said first end of said flexible wall; a second endmember secured across said second end of said flexible wall such thatsaid spring chamber is at least partially defined by said flexible wallbetween said first and second end members; and, a lateral supportelement disposed along and operatively associated with said first endmember and said first end of said flexible wall, said lateral supportelement including an element wall with a first surface facing away fromsaid flexible wall and a second surface facing toward said flexible wallsuch that an interface is formed between said outer surface of saidflexible wall and said second surface of said lateral support elementthat is operative to generate a lateral spring-rate profile that variesaccording to lateral displacement of said flexible wall and said lateralsupport element relative to one another, said element wall of saidlateral support element including a cross-sectional profile extendingalong a reference plane disposed transverse to said longitudinal axisfrom an inner profile endpoint to an outer profile endpoint with saidcross-sectional profile including: a first profile segment extendingradially-outward and substantially linearly from said inner profileendpoint at a first angle relative to said reference plane; a secondprofile segment disposed radially outward of said first profile segmentand extending radially-outward toward said outer profile endpoint, saidsecond profile segment having a concave shape facing toward said secondend of said flexible wall; a third profile segment disposed radiallyoutward of said second profile segment and extending radially-outwardtoward said outer profile endpoint, said third profile segment having aconvex shape facing toward said second end of said flexible wall; and, afourth profile segment disposed radially outward of said third profilesegment, said fourth profile segment extending radially-outward andsubstantially linearly from adjacent said third profile segment at asecond angle relative to said reference plane.
 18. A gas spring assemblyaccording to claim 17, wherein said gas spring assembly is laterallydisplaceable between a neutral position and a laterally-offset positionsuch that in said neutral position said second end of said flexible walland said lateral support element are disposed approximately coaxialalignment with one another and in said laterally-offset position saidsecond end of said flexible wall and said lateral support element aredisposed in laterally-spaced apart relation to one another with aportion of said outer surface of said flexible wall disposed in abuttingengagement with an annular area of said second surface of said lateralsupport element in said neutral position.
 19. A gas spring assemblyaccording to claim 17, wherein said gas spring assembly is laterallydisplaceable between a neutral position and a laterally-offset positionsuch that in said neutral position said second end of said flexible walland said lateral support element are disposed approximately coaxialalignment with one another and in said laterally-offset position saidsecond end of said flexible wall and said lateral support element aredisposed in laterally-spaced apart relation to one another with at leasta portion of said outer surface of said flexible wall disposed inaxially-spaced relation to said second surface of said lateral supportelement in said neutral position.
 20. A gas spring assembly according toclaim 17, wherein said gas spring assembly is laterally displaceablebetween a neutral position and a laterally-offset position with aportion of an annular area of said outer surface of said flexible walldisposed in abutting engagement with a portion of an annular area ofsaid second surface of said lateral support element and the remainingportion of said annular area of said outer surface of said flexible walldisposed in spaced relation to the remaining portion of said annulararea of said second surface of said lateral support element in saidlaterally-offset position.